Dem staffers head to less blue pastures

Outgoing House Democratic spokeswoman Katie Reinisch with her husband and daughters. (Courtesy of Reinisch's Facebook page.)

When the legislature swings back into motion next January, three key Democratic staffers won’t be there to see it.

House Democratic spokeswoman Katie Reinisch has been a high-energy staple at the Capitol for four years. She leaves as the Dems slip into the minority by one vote.

Since the economic downturn hit, Reinisch has pitched “jobs, jobs, jobs.” Now her plan is to go out and create a few in a new small business – a frozen yogurt joint – in her Park Hill neighborhood.

“I’m too old and spoiled to lose the clout of the majority, to face a one-third pay cut in the minority, and to have to cut back programs I believe in so that we can continue to balance the budget,” Reinisch said. “Moreover, my husband and I are sharing a mid-life crisis, which has not led us to fast cars or young lovers, but to try a new career challenge — running a small business.”

House Democratic Chief of Staff Jen Walmer, Reinisch’s boss, also plans an exit and is looking for a new gig.

And the newly married Democrat Senate spokewoman Abigail Kesner announced last week that she’ll leave her post by the end of the year to join the non-partisan political public relations firm SE2 in Denver.

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.